Mechanical Tools And Equipment

noun a mechanical device consisting of a toothed wheel or rack engaged with a pawl that permits it to move in only one direction

adjective lacking in refinement or elegance; very unattractive, unpleasant, or of poor quality

• The ratchet is a tool used for tightening or loosening bolts and nuts.
• I can't believe how ratchet that party was last night.
• She always wears those ratchet outfits to school.
• The situation was getting more and more ratchet as time went on.